KSSSA Games: Kobala counting on Romania training to bag national title

Romania-trained Kobala Girls, the Nyanza region representatives at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football championships, have set their sights on dethroning defending champions Butere Girls and earning a ticket to the East Africa Schools Championships.

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The competition kicks off today in Kakamega County, with Kobala keen to make a statement following their hard-fought qualification.

They booked their spot at the nationals after edging past Saye Secondary 4-2 on post-match penalties in the Nyanza regional final held in Kisumu City.

Kobala’s biggest asset is their group of five standout players who recently trained at Romania’s Csikszereda Professional Camp and Academy.

Head coach Julius Aminga, who also serves as Kobala Mixed Secondary School’s Deputy Principal, believes this international exposure gives them a major competitive edge.

“The team’s five Romanian-trained players are led by 18-year-old full-back Sheila Awuor.

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Others include left center-back Brenda Awuor, right center-back Esther Atieno, left winger Lucy Akinyi, and goalkeeper Michelle Achieng,” Aminga said.

The team recently spent two weeks in Romania, where they played friendly matches against top local sides FK Csíkszereda and Division One outfit FK Sepsi, registering emphatic 4–0 and 17–0 wins, respectively.

Aminga said the European tour, funded by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Kenya and the Romanian Embassy, sharpened the players’ technical skills, physical strength, and speed.

“At Csikszereda, the players improved significantly in key areas. That experience will be invaluable at the nationals,” he added.

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Kobala will also benefit from the presence of 17-year-old national Under-17 and Under-20 goalkeeper Scovia Awuor, who is expected to bring calm and leadership at the back.

The squad is further bolstered by experienced regulars such as right full-back Wilma Awuor, midfield anchors Ida Akinyi and Lilian Anyango, playmaker Sey Lilian, winger Consolata Adhiambo, and forward Beffine Shaley.

Substitutes include goalkeeper Hope Diana, striker Tracy Nolice, midfielders Agnes Akinyi, Laurieen Adhiambo, Alice Lakwena, and Joyce Akello, as well as right full-back Bintii Abu.

Kobala Girls begin their title quest this morning with a clash against Madira Girls.